Getting an external crossover: worth doing?


Hello.

I'm wondering whether to get an external crossover for my stereo setup, something like the Bryston 10B, and would like to get your opinions.

My setup is made of B&W 804s speakers (that go down to 30Hz -6dB, according to B&W)+ REL Storm III subwoofer, McIntosh MC275 tubed amp, a pre and a cd player.

The purpose of adding a crossover would be to relieve the MC275 and 804s from reproducing the lowest frequencies, which consume so much power, and for which neither of these products are best suited to reproduce. I've read post talking about the midrange opening up, etc.

REL recommends sending the whole-range signal to their subs, and likewise running the speakers full-range.

Then, adding an external crossover means adding more circuits to the path, and Sumiko recommends not crossing over the Storm III above 45 Hz, so I'm wondering if this is worth doing. Or in other words, how much power goes in the range up to 45 Hz?

Sorry if this is not coming up super clear...it's me not being clear with my own thoughts.

Your thoughts?
lewinskih01

Showing 2 responses by amfibius

Yes it is worth doing - but only if you implement it properly! The ideal way to do it is to remove the internal crossover in your speaker, get another power amp, and go active. There are a number of theoretical advantages to doing so. In fact I am contemplating doing the same with my speaker - just saving up the pennies for another power amp and the crossovers.
After reading your follow-up i'm not so convinced if you will get much benefit from doing this. You will free up some amplifier power by removing the bass frequencies from the MC275, but this is countered by inserting more electronics in the signal path. I would agree with Bob_reynolds above, you would be better off getting a more powerful amplifier.